There are few home emergencies more stressful than a furnace failing during an Ohio cold snap. When temperatures drop into the teens — or lower — heat isn’t just about comfort, it’s about safety.
At Sears Heating & Cooling, we respond to winter no-heat calls every year, and many homeowners ask the same question in the moment:
“What do I do right now?”
Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide on what to do if your furnace stops working during extreme cold — and how to protect your home while help is on the way.
Step 1: Check the Simple Things First
Before assuming the furnace has failed completely, check a few common issues that can stop a system from running.
Start with:
- Thermostat settings
Make sure it’s set to Heat and the temperature is above room temp. - Batteries in the thermostat
Dead batteries are a surprisingly common cause. - Circuit breaker or furnace switch
A tripped breaker or bumped power switch can shut the system down. - Air filter
A severely clogged filter can cause the system to shut off for safety.
If the furnace still won’t run, move to safety and protection steps.
Step 2: Keep Your Home and Family Safe
If your home is losing heat quickly, your priority is safety — especially for children, seniors, and pets.
Immediate safety tips:
- Use space heaters only if they are rated for indoor use
- Keep heaters at least 3 feet away from anything flammable
- Never use ovens, grills, or generators indoors
- Close doors to unused rooms to retain heat
- Wear layers and use blankets to stay warm
If indoor temperatures drop below safe levels, consider staying with family or friends until heat is restored.
Step 3: Protect Your Plumbing from Freezing
Frozen pipes are one of the most expensive side effects of a furnace failure.
To help prevent frozen pipes:
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation
- Let faucets drip slightly
- Seal drafts near doors and windows if possible
- Keep garage doors closed (especially if plumbing runs through shared walls)
These steps can help reduce the risk of pipe damage while waiting for service.
Step 4: Know When Not to DIY
When a furnace fails during a cold snap, it’s tempting to try anything to get heat back — but some actions can be dangerous.
Avoid:
- Resetting the furnace repeatedly
- Bypassing safety switches
- Tampering with gas lines
- Ignoring unusual smells (especially gas or burning odors)
If you smell gas, leave the home immediately and contact your gas utility before calling for HVAC service.
Step 5: Call for Professional Help Early
During extreme cold, HVAC systems across the area are under heavy demand — which means service schedules fill quickly.
Calling sooner:
- Reduces the risk of extended downtime
- Prevents secondary damage (pipes, water heaters, duct issues)
- Allows technicians to diagnose before problems worsen
At Sears Heating & Cooling, we prioritize no-heat calls during winter conditions and work quickly to restore safe, reliable heat.
Why Furnaces Often Fail During Cold Snaps
Cold snaps place maximum strain on heating systems, especially older or poorly maintained furnaces.
Common causes include:
- Failing ignitors
- Worn blower motors
- Cracked heat exchangers
- Electrical component failure
- Systems running continuously without rest
Many of these issues give subtle warning signs weeks or months before a breakdown.
How to Reduce the Risk of a Winter No-Heat Emergency
While no system is immune to failure, proactive care greatly reduces the risk.
Smart prevention steps:
- Schedule annual furnace maintenance
- Replace air filters regularly
- Address unusual noises or smells early
- Don’t ignore short cycling or uneven heating
- Plan replacement before systems reach end-of-life
Preparation gives you options — emergencies take them away.
If Your Furnace Stops Working, You’re Not Alone
A no-heat situation is stressful, especially during severe winter weather. The good news is that most furnace failures can be repaired quickly once diagnosed by a professional.
If your furnace stops working during a cold snap, Sears Heating & Cooling is here to help — with experienced technicians, honest guidance, and fast response when you need it most.
